Journalists from Europe, the US, Russia and Australia were invited to the annual press tour. Port of Amsterdam gave a press conference announcing plans for the development of the city’s superyacht berthing facilities and attractions, to promote the destination as a must-visit for superyacht owners on the route from the Baltic to the fjords of Norway.

The shipyard tours kicked off on Monday 28 May with a visit to the Feadship Royal Van Lent yard on Kaag Island. Feadship welcomed us to the historic yard with a tour on board the groundbreaking new 70-metre Feadship Sherpa in the final stages of its outfitting, followed by a lake cruise on the heritage Feadship Ammerland, a 1966 model. We also had a chance to observe outfitting of the brand’s latest 77-metre and 93-metre projects. The group then headed to the city of Rotterdam for the Holland Get-Connected dinner with HISWA Holland Yachting Group members and partners.

On Tuesday, the tour continued with a tour of the Amels/Damen facility in Vlissingen, including our chance to jump on Hull 3 of the Amels 242 model. We admired some new launches as they headed off for, respectively, sea trials and delivery to new owners – due to confidentiality agreements no details can be shared – and got an update on Damen’s SeaXplorer series.

Upon reaching the Oceanco shipyard in Alblasserdam, we were treated to the sight of the recently launched 90-metre Project Shark, post sea trials and awaiting delivery to its new owner. Our visit was then punctuated by the announcement that the company is formalising a ten-year working relationship with BMT Nigel Gee in the creation of a joint enterprise: Lateral Naval Architects Ltd, based in Southampton, UK. We had the chance to jump on Project Bravo, a Nuvolari-Lenard-designed, 109-metre build with a hybrid propulsion system. We also toured the 90-metre build known as Project Yasmin, designed by Espen Oeino, as the interior by Terence Disdale Design came together.